Sertraline and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Lun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I started Zoloft 50 mg a week ago. I’ve been battling depression for a long time and finally had the strength to seek help, but the side effects have been a problem: diarrhea, headache, panic attacks, and extremely lightheaded to the point that I fainted and ended up at the ER. The doctor recommended to keep drinking and give it at least two more weeks while my body adjusts to it. I hope to start feeling better."

• sha...
• August 17, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I just wanted to write a review for anxiety. I am a 34-year-old female, and all of a sudden one day I had bad anxiety that I couldn't control. Well, this time it didn't. I felt nervous, heart racing, and just sick to my stomach. So, I went to the doctor, and she prescribed me Sertraline 25 mg. Well, the first 2 1/2 weeks were horrible because it made my anxiety worse, and I had lots of side effects: I had diarrhea, hot flashes, and overactive reflexes in my leg. I made many calls to the doctor. She said I was fine because I kept thinking everything was wrong with me. Finally, after 3 weeks, I felt better! Stick with it. I was also prescribed Xanax to help in the meantime!"

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Lexapro and Wellbutrin and had terrible side effects on both. I only lasted 4 days on them before I had to stop. I then started Zoloft 25 mg two weeks ago, taking it at 8 a.m. each morning. The first week, I had some cases of increased anxiety, diarrhea, and a dull headache that lasted most of the day. Finally, after 8-10 days, all those side effects went away, and I felt much more calm and confident. I have energy again, and I am glad I took this medicine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I took this drug for four days. I was getting sicker and sicker until I had to stop. Felt sick, vomiting, and diarrhea. My anxiety is through the roof! With on-and-off panic attacks throughout the day. The insomnia was never-ending, and my mental health is worse. I also have been unable to eat, and I’ve lost half a stone. Stopped taking it two days ago, and I still can’t eat. I still have the panic attacks and still feel sick."

• Anonymous
• July 4, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "This medication, sertraline, really, really works for anxiety. It helped after 2 weeks, and the change was amazing. Yes, I had some side effects like diarrhea and a sore stomach, but it was so worth it. I went from not being able to leave the house to living a normal life. Give this medication a try, I know it’s scary, but it didn’t cause me any crazy side effects, and I felt normal on it."

• Luc...
• October 21, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I had situational depression and was started on 50 mg of Zoloft. It helped within a few weeks, but I had some major diarrhea when I started, which seemed to start resolving itself. Then I was upped to 75 mg, and the diarrhea started again. It's been 10 months in total, and I still have episodes of diarrhea a few times a day for a few days. Then for a day or two, I will be fine. I've lost about 19 pounds due to the appetite suppression effects and the diarrhea. I've also noticed a loss of libido, but these are side effects I'm willing to live with as opposed to the depression. I am having my recommended colonoscopy soon at age 50 for screening purposes and am sure the diarrhea is not a cause for concern. We will find out."

• dem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2014

For Depression "I promised myself to come back on this site and gave my 10 points to sertraline. Back in 2010, I had my first episode of depression topped up with severe anxiety and all the typical symptoms. I was suicidal, foggy, so confused, hopeless, and the list goes on and on. Sertraline came to the rescue, and 4 months later I managed to claim my life back from this horrific and life-threatening illness. In January 2014, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, and paranoia, depression, and anxiety came back in vengeance due to the diagnosis. Sertraline came again to the rescue, and exactly 3 months later I am back to normal again. The first 4 weeks are rocky with the side effects, I was feeling more suicidal, and I had diarrhea, but then everything was eliminated."

• Car...
• August 24, 2017

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on Zoloft for years now and love it. This medicine saved my life. Before I started taking Zoloft, I was a mess!!! Depressed and angry all the time. I finally, after several years, decided I'd had enough. I told my therapist I wanted an antidepressant. I was going to call the doctor myself, but she called the doctor. Honestly, I remember a girl I met when I was in college who told me I needed help and to go home for the weekend. However, I was reluctant to get help only because my parents felt that at the time, antidepressants weren't that safe. I must say she was right. I feel so much better, not a lot of side effects. Sometimes I get diarrhea from it, but mostly it works."

• NT...
• February 4, 2010

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I have been taking Zoloft 100 mg for over a month now for my anxiety disorders and panic attacks that have gotten in the way of my peace and my family welfare. The results have been positive, I feel less stressful, less jittery, and do not snap at my family for anything. Also, it makes me feel more positive towards life and people. At first, it gave me mild diarrhea for two days, and yes, my sexual appetite has dwindled a bit. I fully recommend it, it is worth trying some medication rather than living with emotional distress a whole life."

• Doo...
• March 24, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I took sertraline with much success for 12 years for depression and anxiety after a nervous breakdown. I did not experience sexual dysfunction or weight gain. I did experience diarrhea and lightheadedness for about a week. (Sucks because the lightheadedness is what I am trying to fix!) It helped a great deal in the past, better than any SSRI I have tried. I came off of the medication, and I didn't realize how much it was helping my anxiety until I attempted to return to work. I suffered migraines for six weeks straight, and the anxiety attacks returned. My attacks are so extreme that my speech becomes slurred and jumbled. It is a week later, and I am still experiencing the being-on-a-boat feeling. I have seen my doctor, and he has told me I have Jan 4, 2018 - Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), for all of these conditions, including migraines, Sertraline is the go-to for treatment. I will begin taking 50mg again and up as needed. I know this medication works for me."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I was so unsure about getting on meds and really wanted to overcome a newly discovered and life-crushing panic disorder I had developed. Running into people put me in panic mode, I walked around thinking everyone was staring/laughing at me. I've officially been on sertraline for 2 months, and my world has changed. I have my confidence back, I'm dating, I'm reconnecting with people, and feel like my old self. This drug has saved my life. Please don't knock back the option if it's available! I'm 23 years of age and thought my life was over - I have been given a reboot, and I'm so happy with where I am at now! Best wishes x Side note: minor side effects initially were diarrhea and falling asleep at 4 a.m., but that has all passed."

• LJC...
• July 13, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on Sertraline (Zoloft for USA readers) after a depressive period. I hit a new low, and I needed help immediately. I had taken Mirtazapine for over ten years for insomnia, but it didn't seem to work anymore, and life was intolerable, so I was put on Sertraline. The first two weeks were difficult: diarrhea, insomnia (again), dry mouth, etc. But after the first week, I saw subtle changes; a month, and I was smiling again. It took three months to fully feel the effects, and it's no underestimation to say that it's changed my life. I sleep every night now, which was unthinkable back then. I'm able to cope, and I see a future. Different drugs affect people differently, but I have nothing but good things to say about Sertraline."

• Yei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2019

For Panic Disorder "Taking Zoloft for the fifth time in the last 13 years. It has worked every single time! I am taking it for panic attacks, GAD, and depression. Started 7 weeks ago - 1 week 25 mg, 1 week 50 mg, 1 week 75 mg, and 100 mg from there. Weeks 3 and 4 were just brutal - extreme anxiety, depression, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, brain fog, etc., especially in the mornings. After week 6, getting better every day! You have to wait at least 6-10 weeks, it will start to work. I got through with the help of Xanax 0.5/3 times a day (don't need it anymore), and for sleep, I am taking 15 mg Remeron in the evenings. You will get your life back, this will stop, and you will feel great again!"

• C_w...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I began taking sertraline 8 weeks ago to the day for anxiety and relationship OCD. I promised I would submit a review because this forum really helped me when I was going through the first two weeks. I had really awful side effects for the first week: nausea, diarrhea, skyrocketing anxiety, depressive moods. Genuinely, reading this forum was the only thing that kept me taking it. The second week, I felt much better physically, but I felt very detached and disassociated. Was a very weird feeling. After about 4 weeks, I began to notice a difference with reduced anxiety. Each week, things improved, and now, 8 weeks in, I feel so much better and more myself without the anxiety. The OCD is a working progress, I feel much more able to control my thoughts now but still working with a psychologist to work through the OCD. Would recommend this if you are having a challenging time, give it time to work and make sure you are getting other therapy too :)"

• Mel...
• February 19, 2014

For Depression "My doctor prescribed 50 mg Sertraline to help me with depression, suicidal thoughts, and social anxiety. I have just been taking it a week, but I am very pleased so far. I am able to leave my apartment, go shopping in horrendous crowds and traffic, and deal with stress at work without breaking down and becoming fixated. Fleeting thoughts of worthlessness, hopelessness, and suicide are easily pushed away. I do deal with nausea, diarrhea, sleeplessness, and fatigue, but I make sure I eat before I take my pill, and I force myself to eat each time the nausea comes on. I may gain weight, but I do not think so because I am never hungry now. I am hoping that the calmness remains as I continue taking Sertraline."

• Sur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2023

For Depression "To start, everyone is completely different on medication, and everyone will have a different experience from others. That said, my experience with sertraline was awful. Suffered from depression, PTSD, and mood swings. Week one was awful, and I got signed off from work. Horrendous diarrhea. My brain was wired, but I couldn't move, so I'd spend days laying in bed with my mind racing. This made me spiral completely. After week two, the diarrhea stopped, and I was able to get out of bed, but my mind was in bits. The only way I can describe it was like having an out-of-body experience where the world passed around me, and I was living in some little bubble. After this, I spent 3 months on 50-100 mg - the worst in my life. I was incredibly manic, and I lost all inhibitions. I couldn't function like a normal person. I blew money, went drinking 5 nights a week, and slept around. Putting myself in dangerous situations without a care in the world. The withdrawals coming off it were also killer. Be warned!"

• Tta...
• June 23, 2020

Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "My doctor switched me to Zoloft. I was taking bupropion for about 5 months, but it was causing me to be snappy and a lot of anxiety. So he switched me to Zoloft, it's been 3 weeks, and the first week and a half was the hardest. I had nausea, diarrhea, and tiredness. But it went away, now I'm only tired at times but feel way better. I recommend it."

• Maz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I’ve been battling insomnia and anxiety for years, did everything I could to avoid the medication, finally had to give in and try something. Dr. started me on sertraline 25 mg for 7 days, then up to 50 mg. The first 5 days were awful! Anxiety and insomnia were worse than ever before, had tremors, headache, and diarrhea, didn’t sleep for 4 days. By the 6th day, I started to notice an improvement. On day 8, when I upped the dose to 50 mg, same bad side effects for a couple of days and complete exhaustion. BUT, at the end of the 3rd week, I noticed a big improvement in my anxiety, and I switched to taking it at bedtime, which helped with the exhaustion. At the end of the 5th week, I started feeling a little bit anxious, so my Dr. upped the dose to 75 mg, and I have to say, after 2 weeks at 75 mg, I am feeling so much better!! Enjoying life, sleeping better than I have in years... so glad I stuck with it, even though the side effects were so bad in the beginning."

• AL1...
• May 18, 2012

Sertraline for Depression "I switched from Prozac (which, if anything, made me feel more depressed) to Zoloft about a month ago, and it has been FANTASTIC. 75 mg a day, kicked in about 2 weeks, little to no side effects, more energy, and generally just a massive relief. In my case, it's also caused a bit of weight loss (around 5 pounds), which is likely due to the medicine causing a loss of appetite and some diarrhea, which is far from pleasant."

• Lia...
• April 19, 2015

For Depression "Started taking 50 mg sertraline for depression and anxiety. I started getting nausea after the first day, after a week, it settled, and after 2 weeks, I felt a slight change in my mood, but it seemed to be more effective for my anxiety. After 3 weeks, I started getting some terrible side effects, such as a bad stomach and diarrhea, also long, painful headaches. Anyway, a month down the line, I feel a lot better. I can honestly say the medication is working, although it has its ups and downs. Try to stick with it. I would recommend seeing your doctor to get the medication changed or the dosage changed if it has no effect because that's what I did. My quality of life has become so much better. I try to ignore the occasional side effects! Stick with it."

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2015

For Depression "I've been on approximately 16 different antidepressants of different classes over the past 18 years, and sertraline has by far been the most helpful drug for me. The side effects were pretty severe to start with: insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and feeling extremely 'spaced out,' but I persevered with the drug as I know all too well they can take time to work effectively, and after 4 weeks they settled down. Sertraline has given me my life back, after 6 to 8 weeks, I began to feel my depression lifting significantly. I felt a 50% improvement, which is huge to me, and 14 weeks in, I am starting to function again."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2020

Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I had high hopes for Zoloft to help my fibromyalgia, PMDD, PTSD. The first week I took this, I began having the worst anxiety attacks of my life. Too nauseous to eat, diarrhea, and migraines. I waited it out a month, suffering from extreme anxiety, which it was supposed to help me get rid of in the first place. Made my usual anxiety seem like nothing. It did nothing at all for my chronic pain, made me feel as if I was going crazy and not able to function."

• cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was on Zoloft in my early 20s, but never found it very effective then. Fast-forward 15 years and every other anti-dep med later, my Celexa pooped out on me and I started having daily anxiety and panic attacks. It took nearly eight weeks for me to feel any positive effects from the drug. The start-up side effects were terrible - I was sick for weeks. However, when I was switched to Zoloft (150mg) from Celexa, they cut me off Celexa cold turkey and ramped me up to 150mg within four weeks. It was hell. Side effects: sleepiness, anxiety, depression, jaw clenching, dizziness, panic attacks, diarrhea, loss of appetite. Side effects hung on for at least the first four weeks. I'm about three months in now and feel much better. 90% normal."

• pyt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I started this medication yesterday at 7 pm. Shortly afterwards, I felt my tongue tingling, my head aching, and then my whole body ached. Pain started from my shoulders, I felt every joint as the pain progressed down. I forced myself to sleep around midnight. I slept for one hour and woke up with a strange feeling. Since then, till 11 am, I have been having regular trips every 20 min to the loo (runs), though I didn't eat anything since yesterday at 8 pm. Also, I have had heavy breathing the whole time-my body seemed to not be able to decide if I will throw up or not. Now my breathing is normal, runs are, luckily, slowing down to once an hour. I feel dizzy, weak, slightly sick, lightheaded, and can't seem to keep my feet warm. I have never felt this bad in my life (and I must admit that I have been to the hospital three times for ten days each time). Anyone having the same experience? Considering if I shouldn't stop taking it..."

• Sli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2020

For Panic Disorder "Diagnosed with catastrophic anxiety and severe depression. I started on 50 mg sertraline. The first week was horrendous! Panic attacks, diarrhea, vomiting, migraines, no appetite, tiredness, heavy depression, and strong suicidal thoughts. After 9 days, I entered a euphoric state that lasted 3 days with total insomnia before stabilizing. The increase to 100 mg saw all the side effects again. I'm actually losing weight as I am exercising heaps because I now want to. I have pretty much lost my sex drive, and ejaculation is significantly delayed, but it's better than me feeling suicidal! It's not a magic pill, it will mess you up before you get better, however, it will give you the chance to change ways, patterns, and lifestyles to improve yourself and deal with your baggage. I wanted to stop in the first week, but glad I didn't... take care of yourselves and each other and also seek the assistance of a psychologist."